Anyone applying for drone permissions can get their drone permit from the District Administration Office of the proposed project location, if they are flying a drone that weighs less than two kilogram.

Government of Nepal has different concern for drone operation.

CANN
Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN)

CAAN is mainly concerned about collision with other aircrafts i.e. safety. They believe that drone flying poses security threats and weakens air safety.

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Ministry of Information and Communication

They are concerned about the frequency of the remote control of the device used. This frequency might create interference with devices being used by security personnel and communication.

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Home Ministry

Drones initially were used for military purposes to strike attacks remotely in different areas. While drones being used today carry payloads in the form of different optical and other kinds of sensors. As they are capable of carrying other payloads when tweaked, the home ministry concerns the illegal and unethical use of drones encroaching state’s safety and personal privacy.

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Relevant Line Ministries

Drones in its original terms means the vehicles which are being used by military to strike weapons in different areas. As such, the home ministry which looks after country’s security is worried if people use drones for illegal activities.

"Beside above agencies, line agencies needs also to be contacted for drone permissions eg. National parks department for flying in protected areas, Heritage Development Trust in case of heritage sites.

Drone/UAV Flight Guidelines in Nepal

2015
CANN get_app Drone Regulation Nepal after Earthquake.
2015
MoHA get_app Drone Regulation Nepal after Earthquake.
2019
CANN get_app Drone Regulation Nepal after Earthquake.
2019
MoHA get_app Drone Regulation Nepal after Earthquake.

As per latest 2015, granting permission depends on the category.

For any type of drone expect category A, getting recommendation /project support letter from local local municipality/rural municipality Will help you expedite the process

Weight Below 250 gms
Level of Risk Very Low
Permission Process

Step 1: Register your drone at Flight Safety Standards Department , Sinamangal

Note: No need of permission if you are flying on your private place, house, your own land, flight under operator responsibility , all drone flights up to 200 feet in public spaces require approval from the local administration office, inform nearby police.
Drone Example DJI Tello (80gms)
Weight 250 gms to 2 kgs
Level of Risk Low
Permission Process

STEP 1-Register your drone at Flight Safety Standards Department , Sinamangal

STEP 2-Get Frequency permission from MoICT

STEP 3-Apply for permission at CAAN, Babarmahal

STEP 4-Apply for permission at District Administration Office
Drone Example DJI Phantom 4 Pro (1.39 kgs)
Weight 2kgs to 25 kgs
Level of Risk Regulated, Low
Permission Process

STEP 1-Register your drone at Flight Safety Standards Department , Sinamangal

STEP 2-Get Frequency permission from MoICT

STEP 3-Apply for permission at CAAN, Babarmahal

STEP 4-Apply for permission at Home Ministry

Note: for recreational drones, also permission should be taken from the tourism ministry.

Drone Example DJI Matrice 600 Pro (9.6 kgs)
Weight Above 25 kgs
Level of Risk Regulated, High
Permission Process Permission Process:

STEP 1-Register your drone at Flight Safety Standards Department , Sinamangal

STEP 2-Get Frequency permission from MoICT

STEP 3-Apply for permission at CAAN, Babarmahal

STEP 4-Apply for permission at Home Ministry
Drone Example MQ-9 Reaper (2223 kgs)

How to request a UAV flight permission as a pilot

  • lens Install the WhatsApp on your phone device
  • lens Add a new contact with the name Nepal Drone Portal and number +977 9818817052 to your phone book
  • lens Open WhatsApp and Message ‘Hi’ or any other message to Nepal Drone Portal
  • lens Text the number ‘1’ to start the conversation for a new flight permission

How to lodge a complaint as third-party

  • lens Install the WhatsApp on your phone device
  • lens Add a new contact with the name Nepal Drone Portal and number +977 9818817052 to your phone book
  • lens Open WhatsApp and Message ‘Hi’ or any other message to Nepal Drone Portal
  • lens Text the number ‘3’ to start the conversation to send a complaint for new flight permission
  • lens Follow the guiding prompts to lodge your complaint accordinglyThen after, continue answering questions and submit a complaint

Eligibility criteria to be a Remote Pilot and get flight permission:

  • check_circle You must register your UAV in CAAN and get a Unique Identification Number (UIN)
  • check_circle At least 18 years old.
  • check_circle Able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
  • check_circle Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a UAS.
  • check_circle You must fly within visual line-of-sight.
  • check_circle You must follow community-based safety guidelines and fly within your property. Note: if you are flying in a public place you should take permission from nearby police and sometimes with district authority and ATC as well.
  • check_circle Respect others’ privacy when flying your drone.

Things to note while operating UAVs in Nepal

  • check_circle Free to fly UAV under 200m (656 feet) of under 2 kg (4.4 lb) on your personal properties like inside your house, land, and garden.
  • check_circle Unmanned aircraft shall be permitted to be operated in day VMC conditions only.
  • check_circle If the operations are to be conducted in a Restricted or Prohibited area, prior approval from the concerned Authority is required before applying for flight permission
  • check_circle In Nepal, permissions are for a short period of time ( a few days to 3 months) and not for a longer period of time.
  • check_circle You must never fly near other aircraft.
  • check_circle Do not fly your drone over heritage sites, national parks, conservation areas, military installations, power plants or other NO FLY ZONES that could cause concern among the local authorities
  • check_circle Do not fly within 50 meters (164 feet) of any vessel, vehicle, or structure.
  • check_circle Airport areas including take-off and approach paths shall be free of all UAV activity at all times regardless of altitude.
  • check_circle Drone must be flown within the visual line of sight (normally within 500 m horizontally and 400 feet vertically) of its remote pilot (the person in charge of operating the drone). Operations beyond these distances are not allowed.
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Are you a tourist and planning to fly a drone during your stay ?

Follow the following steps :
  • check_circle Visit the custom office desk at Airport. Get a temporary custom receipit.
  • check_circleSubmit the temporary reciept at Department of Flight safety office sinamangal
  • check_circleGet a Temporary Unique Identification Number (UIN).
  • check_circleFollow other steps as per your drone category.
  • check_circleCarry out your drone flights